SSE to improve energy network for winter - 17/11/2011

Energy supplier Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) is set to invest millions of pounds in improving the quality of its electricity network, something that may be of interest to people searching for cheap energy.

The firm has announced it is to spend around £45 million over the coming winter on upgrading its infrastructure to ensure customers are able to keep their lights on, whatever conditions the country may experience.

"This ongoing investment work throughout Scotland will mean our network is more robust than ever before," said managing director for networks at SSE Mark Mathieson. "Without this ... winter storms could cause more damage."

Improvements will include converting overhead lines around Auchterader - which were badly affected by snow and ice build up last winter - to an underground network, while a fleet of new 4x4s will be brought in to help engineers reach isolated locations to fix problems.

Earlier this month, the government, the Met Office and Age UK launched a cold weather plan to alert vulnerable householders when extreme conditions are on the way and provide advice and assistance where needed.

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